The Surprise

Multimillionaire Jacob is seen with his dying mother, asking him whether he feels any emotion. He doesn't. Later it is revealed he changed into this state at age four, when his father disappeared. He sees no future. At his mother's funeral a pushy lawyer wants him to confirm he will sell the estate, which he does. He then tries to end it all in various ways but never succeeds. At one of his attempts he picks up the address of a mysterious organization that helps people end their lives. After he has paid them for a surprise ending, he meets a sweet, shy girl in the room where the caskets are displayed, and she also says she wants to end her loveless life. They fall in love, but find out there is no postponing the trip to a better world. After they escape various attempts at their lives, the plot really starts rolling (contrary to the short story by Dutch writer H.J. Schonfeld (Belcampo) on which the film is based). Many unexpected things happen and masterful plot twists will keep you glued to your seat for the next half-hour. Superb direction, superb acting by Dutch, Belgian, and Indian(!) actors, superb scene settings, superb camera-work, superb scenario.